The Night of the Hunter

The Night of the Hunter

Year: 1955

Runtime: 92 min

Language: English

Director: Terry Sanders

DramaMysteryThrillerCrimeFilm-NoirFilm-Noir

After serving time for arson and murder, a manipulative preacher is released and becomes fixated on finding money hidden by a recently executed convict. He targets a widowed mother and her two young children, using a false facade of righteousness to gain their trust while secretly plotting to find the stolen funds. The film explores themes of good versus evil, and the vulnerability of innocence in the face of calculated deception and escalating danger.

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Timeline & Setting – The Night of the Hunter (1955)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Night of the Hunter (1955). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Depression Era

The events of the movie are set during the Great Depression, a time marked by economic hardship and social struggles in America. Families often faced dire circumstances, leading to desperate measures. The stark realities of life during this period underscore the themes of survival and moral conflict depicted in the film.

Location

Southern town, farmhouse, river, Uncle Birdie's houseboat, Cooper's ranch

The movie takes place in a Southern town characterized by its rural landscape and a central farmhouse where much of the drama unfolds. The river serves as a critical setting for both escape and confrontation. Uncle Birdie's houseboat represents a refuge from the dangers posed by Reverend Powell, while Cooper's ranch signifies a hope for safety and community.

🏡 Farmhouse 🏞️ River 🛶 Houseboat 🌾 Ranch

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:34

Main Characters – The Night of the Hunter (1955)

Meet the key characters of The Night of the Hunter (1955), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Reverend Harry Powell (Robert Mitchum)

Reverend Harry Powell is a manipulative and sinister figure who embodies the film's theme of good versus evil. With his charismatic yet menacing demeanor, he exudes a false sense of righteousness while pursuing selfish and violent motives. His obsession with control and dominance reveals the depths of his depravity, making him a formidable and unforgettable antagonist.

⛪ Religion 🔪 Villain 📖 Manipulator

Rachel Cooper (Lillian Gish)

Rachel Cooper is a compassionate and protective figure, embodying maternal instincts in the face of danger. She represents hope and resilience, providing a refuge for John and Pearl amidst the chaos arising from Powell's malevolence. Her strength and determination highlight the contrasting themes of innocence and the need for safeguarding vulnerable children.

👩‍👧‍👦 Guardian 💪 Strength 🌟 Hope

John Harper (Billy Chapin)

John Harper is a brave and resourceful boy, thrust into a precarious situation as his family is targeted by evil. He embodies the theme of childhood innocence, often caught between wanting to protect his sister and confronting the terrifying Reverend Powell. His struggles reflect the loss of innocence and the harsh realities children may face when adults fail to safeguard them.

👦 Brother 🛡️ Protector 🌪️ Innocent

Willa Harper (Shelley Winters)

Willa Harper is a complex character, reflecting desperation and vulnerability as she seeks love and approval. Caught in Powell's web of manipulation, her struggle symbolizes the dangers of misplaced affections. Her tragic fate reveals the consequences of naivety in the face of evil, serving as a cautionary tale for both children and adults.

👩 Mother ❤️ Vulnerable 😔 Tragic

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:34

Major Themes – The Night of the Hunter (1955)

Explore the central themes of The Night of the Hunter (1955), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🖤 Good vs. Evil

The battle between good and evil is central to the story, embodied in the character of Reverend Powell, who presents a façade of righteousness while harboring malevolent intentions. The children, particularly John, represent innocence and the fight to protect their family against dark influences. The juxtaposition of Powell's tattoos 'LOVE' and 'HATE' further emphasizes this moral struggle.

👶 Childhood Innocence

The film places a strong emphasis on the fragility of childhood innocence, showcasing how young characters navigate threats from adult malevolence. Through the bond between John and Pearl, the film highlights the need for protection and the inherent dangers posed by a corrupt society. This theme is represented through their imaginative games and moments of joyful play, sharply contrasted against their dire circumstances.

🔪 Manipulation

Reverend Powell's character is a textbook representation of manipulation, as he exploits the trust of those around him to achieve his sinister goals. The film portrays the impact of his deceit on Willa and the children, delving into themes of vulnerability and the consequences of misplaced trust. This manipulation leads to tragic outcomes, forcing the children into a fight for their survival.

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:34

Unlock the Full Story of The Night of the Hunter

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Night of the Hunter in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Night of the Hunter is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Night of the Hunter Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Night of the Hunter, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Night of the Hunter Summary

The Night of the Hunter Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Night of the Hunter with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Night of the Hunter Timeline

More About The Night of the Hunter

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Night of the Hunter: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Night of the Hunter

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